Koumas took the corner from the right hand side and Taylor's goalbound header had to be punched clear by Rudd.

On 50 minutes Rovers were inches from taking the lead, with Koumas curling a 25 yard free kick against the bar.

However, soon after Preston went back ahead. Rovers lost possession inside the visitors' half and they broke quickly, with the ball being played to Garner who fired a low shot past Fon Williams and into the bottom left corner from 15 yards.

Despite scoring his tenth goal in a Tranmere shirt, Taylor was disappointed to end up on the losing side.

The defender said: "In the second-half I thought the work ethic of the lads was brilliant, it was just a sucker punch with the second goal while we were on top. It was disappointing.

"It was a great time to get the equaliser. It could have been 2-1 [with the Koumas free kick]

"It's a shame but it's the way football is sometimes.

"Sometimes it can be a lack of concentration. When you're going forward you have to be switched on defensively.

Rovers, currently in 17th place in League One, will be travelling to face relegation-strugglers Bristol City this Saturday.

Taylor said: "It's a six-pointer next week.

"I'm sure if we can beat them we can kick on again. We've got to go there and take all three points."